Rob Gronkowski appears ready for 2013 debut

The Patriots tight end has been medically cleared to face the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon, according to his agent.

By Jim Fenton

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Jim Fenton

Posted Oct. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2013 at 6:20 PM

By Jim Fenton

Posted Oct. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2013 at 6:20 PM

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The injuries have been piling up throughout the season, forcing major alterations to the depth chart.

Finally, though, it looks like the Patriots are going to be on the receiving end of some positive news on the injury front.

According to the agent for Rob Gronkowski, who has not appeared in a game since the playoffs last January, the tight end has received medical clearance to return to action this weekend.

“Rob Gronkowski has now been cleared by all his doctors to play Sunday in the Jets game,’’ was the message Drew Rosenhaus texted to some media members on Friday morning.

The Patriots could use any kind of reinforcement, given what they have been dealing with.

They lost defensive standouts Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo to season-ending injuries recently. Three other players have been ruled out of the Jets game, including wide receiver Danny Amendola (concussion), defensive lineman Tommy Kelly (out a second straight game with a knee issue) and running back Leon Washington (ankle).

Cornerback Aqib Talib (hip strain) is listed as doubtful after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday and having limited participation on Friday.

Getting Gronkowski, who underwent multiple surgeries on his forearm and had a back operation in the summer, back on the field against the Jets at MetLife Stadium would provide the offense a much-needed boost.

There was no confirmation from the Patriots about Gronkowski’s status during the media portion of their day on Friday.

Coach Bill Belichick, as forthcoming as ever, said, “We’ll list the injuries at the end of the day like we always do on Friday,’’ when asked about Rosenhaus’ statement. According to the daily injury report issued around 4 p.m., Gronkowski remains questionable for the game.

Gronkowski made an appearance in locker room following practice, but declined to comment when approached by reporters, noting he had already talked to the media a day earlier.

There has been plenty of intrigue surrounding the status of Gronkowski, who returned to practice on a limited basis in early September and has been a regular participant.

He has been waiting for noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who is not affiliated with the team, to give him clearance to play.

Page 2 of 2 - “Basically, it’s myself, the doctors and talking with the coaches, especially with coach Belichick,’’ said Gronkowski on Thursday. “We talk all the time on how everything is going, me and him.

“We’ve been on the same page the whole time, right since the beginning, and the decision will be made eventually.

“You have got to go through the process of asking the doctors. I’m not jut going to make the decision myself. That’s why you’ve got a whole organization to work together. When my number is called, when I’m ready to go, I’m going to be out there like I have been before.’’

The Patriots will welcome Gronkowski back because they have struggled in the red zone throughout the season, and he will give quarterback Tom Brady a reliable target in close.

Meanwhile, with Wilfork and Mayo unable to play the rest of the season, they have been replaced as defensive captains by Devin McCourty and Rob Ninkovich.